DS

What Does DS Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

DS means "Dear Son," "Darling Son," "Dear Sister," or "Directing Staff."

Dear Son / Darling Son / Dear Sister

The abbreviation DS is most commonly used online and in texting with the meaning "Dear Son." It is also sometimes used to mean "Darling Son," and "Dear Sister." In this context, DS is an affectionate term used by parents when referring to their sons, by sons when referring to themselves, or by siblings when referring to their sisters. For example:

My DS bought me a wonderful present for my birthday.
Hi mom. Might your DS be allowed to stay at Jo's this weekend?
My DS Carol is going to be a mother again.

As with many other abbreviations, DS can also be used sarcastically or ironically:

Our DS thinks Saturday starts at 3 pm.
I never see my DS unless he needs money.

Directing Staff

On military training courses, DS is used with the meaning "Directing Staff," which is military jargon for an instructor. For example:

We have an OC's inspection at 0630, so the DS are coming in at 0430, to make sure everything is ready.
The DS's rucksacks are full of pillows.

Image for DS

When I write DS, I mean this:

DS can also mean "Darling Son," "Dear Sister," and "Directing Staff."

Summary of Key Points for First Definition

"Dear / Darling Son" is, by far, the most common meaning for DS when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

DS
Definition:	Dear / Darling Son
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Summary of Key Points for Second Definition

"Dear Sister" is another definition for DS.

DS
Definition:	Dear Sister
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Summary of Key Points for Third Definition

DS also means "Directing Staff."

DS
Definition:	Directing Staff
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults

An Academic Look at DS

DS is classified as an initialism abbreviation, as it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Dee Ess"). Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are abbreviations spoken as words (e.g., LOL, NATO).